den Dekker hopes for expanded role with Nats in 2016

Outfielder Matt den Dekker ended the 2015 season on a hot streak at the plate. In the last 26 games (eight starts) he played in September and October, den Dekker hit .298 with five doubles, three homers and seven RBIs.

He ended up playing a career high 55 games in 2015, and hit .253 for the season with a career-high OPS of .800.

"Personally, for me, I felt good about the end of the season," den Dekker said at Winterfest. "I finished strong, got comfortable in my role I was in, so just trying to build on that and take that into next year and come in with that mindset that I'm capable of playing the way I did at the end of the year and try to take off of that."

After working on his swing in August with Triple-A Syracuse, den Dekker said he remained confident that, when given a chance, he would succeed at the highest level.

"I'm definitely not surprised," den Dekker said of his late run. "I've played at that level plenty of times. I know I can play and I can play well. There are times I go up and down, and when I figure things out, it clicks and I play well. I'm hoping that's something that'll keep me there for a long term."

Den Dekker said the focus has always been to repeat his approach with every chance in the batter's box.

"Just trying to stay consistent," den Dekker said. "Working with (Nationals hitting coach Rick) Schu and the guys we have brought in here to stay consistent with my at-bats and my work and try to stay productive the way I was at the end of the year."

den Dekker got to meet with new Nationals manager Dusty Baker and came away impressed.

"Great so far. He's been personable," den Dekker said. "I've talked to him a little bit. I'm excited for the season and getting going with him."

den Dekker got to watch his former team, the New York Mets, make a run to the World Series, and appreciated what playoff baseball is all about and how difficult it is to play in the second season.

"I watched a good amount," den Dekker said. "I really enjoy watching the games and the intensity of the games. Obviously, we want to be there and want to play in the playoffs. But it's fun to watch and to have something to strive for the next year, try to get to that spot. Got to see the Mets in the playoffs, they had a great run. Hopefully we'll be there next year."

Similar to Tyler Moore, den Dekker's goal is to be a starter, and one goal for spring training is to show the Nationals he can be an everyday player.

"I'm hoping that's the case," den Dekker said. "I think if I can play well and prove that I'm capable of that, then hopefully it will come to that. At this point, (I'm) just coming to spring training ready to go, try to play and prove myself to the coaching staff."